News
Issue #2002 - 09 (March 2002)
(Updated Mar. 6, 2002)

DEVICES and DEVICE OPERATING SYSTEMS

NEC to Supply First i-mode Phones Outside of Japan

NEC Corp. has agreed to supply Dutch carrier KPN Mobile Group with the first i-mode handsets used outside Japan. The Japanese mobile phone maker holds the largest share of the cell phone market in Japan, representing about one-third. 

Under the terms of the agreement, NEC will deliver N21i i-mode cell phones to KPN Mobile's operations in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium in time for the launch of the Dutch carrier's i-mode service in the spring. 

Based on Japanese designs, the N21i has been specially developed for the European market. The handset will allow users to make and receive mobile telephone calls and receive SMS messages and e-mails as well as access all i-mode services. 

Features of the N21i i-mode handset

• GPRS-compatible
• Large color display screen (1.9-inch)
• Improved sound quality for ring tones
• Built-in i-mode browser to access i-mode-compatible HTML and WML1.x content
  Send and receive e-mails containing 1000 characters and SMS messages of up to 160 characters

Commenting on the agreement, Ben Nakamura, associate senior vice president and executive manager of NEC's Mobile Terminal Business, said signing on "with KPN Mobile gives us a strong foothold to take our position forward not only in Europe but also in the worldwide 2.5G market."

For more information: http://www.nec.co.jp

Mobileinfo Comments & Advisory: This sets the stage for introduction of i-mode like service in Japan. We shall be watching the adoption rate.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.